Dover Moose Lodge serves up holiday food and football

Friday

Nov 23, 2012 at 3:15 AMNov 26, 2012 at 9:32 AM

By Michelle Kingstonmkingston@fosters.com

DOVER — Walking into the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #443 on Thanksgiving afternoon was like walking into any other home on the holiday — a warm meal was being served to families and the football game was on the big screen.

Stephen Moynahan, governor of the Lodge, said he was expecting up to 80 people to stop in for a traditional Turkey dinner. Thursday's meal was the fourth annual Thanksgiving Day meal the lodge has served to members and residents of Dover Housing Authority.

“Why do I do this? Because Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday,” Moynahan said.

Approximately 30 people volunteered their time, peeling potatoes late Wednesday to cooking in the morning on Thursday. All the desserts were donated from members, along with some of the side dishes. Generous members and people in connection with the Lodge also donated five of the seven turkeys served.

Mike Dean, junior governor of the lodge, said there are more than 1,200 Loyal Order of Moose Lodges throughout the country, Great Britain, Bermuda and Canada, caring for any child or grandchild of a member that is in need.

“Their every need is taken care of, from clothing to food to education,” Dean said.

None of those children or grandchildren would go hungry on Thanksgiving, especially if they were a part of the meal served on Thursday in Dover. White and dark meat turkey was served along with stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, peas, corn, green bean casserole, squash, creamed onions and coleslaw. Guests ate on red table clothes with a floral centerpiece.

“It's as simple as that to me, I do this because I just love Thanksgiving,” Moynahan said.

“And it is good to do something for the community,” Dean said. “This is what we are all about.”

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